Games of chance

ABSTRACT

Methods of playing games of chance utilizing dice are provided. A method of playing a stackable building block game is provided. The blocks are stacked in perpendicularly alternating levels and display a designated number. A player rolls a die to display a number and removes from the tower a block with a designated number equal to the number displayed on the die. The player then sets the removed building block on top of the tower. These steps are repeated until the tower falls. A method of playing a game of dominoes using stackable building blocks is provided. Players complete a game of dominoes. A player then rolls a die to display a number and removes the blocks displaying markings equal to the number displayed on the die. This is repeated by the players until all of the blocks are removed. The player having the most blocks is declared winner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/086,092, filed Oct. 1, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to multiplayer games of chance utilizing dice.

General Background

Various games of chance involving the use of dice have been known since the earliest of times. The most common form of dice is the conventional cubical configuration, with each of the dice having markings indicating the numbers one through six on their six respective sides.

Another relatively ancient gaming apparatus is the domino. As with dice, various forms are known, but by far the most widely used type of domino comprises a set of relatively thin rectangular tiles, each tile having a blank surface on one side and a numbered surface on the opposite side. The numbered surface is divided into two square areas, with each having a series of markings representing numbers from zero (or no marking) through six. Certain tiles of such a domino set are used in the present game. The most widely played game using such a domino set involves placement of the dominoes sequentially on a playing surface, with players attempting to match the number pattern of one of the played dominoes with a domino from their own randomly selected set. Commonly played domino games include Straight Dominoes, Domino Whist, Matador, Muggins, Texas 42, Chicken Foot, Concentration, Double Fives, Mexican Train, and Fives and Threes.

A more recent game is the stackable game is marketed under the trademark JENGA, wherein a tower is constructed from a set of elongate game blocks of generally elongate parallelepiped shape, with the blocks in each layer being perpendicular to the blocks in the layer above and the layer below. Players are required to remove a block from the tower and place it on the uppermost layer without toppling the tower. The ability to strategically select game blocks from the tower increases the level of difficulty of the game.

While the games listed above are popular, what is needed in the art are new methods of utilizing these familiar components to enable enhanced entertainment for players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method for playing a game is provided. The method includes a first step of providing at least two players. The method includes a second step of providing a plurality of building blocks, each building block of said plurality of building blocks displaying a designated number. The method includes a third step of building a tower by stacking individual levels comprising a plurality of building blocks arranged in parallel and building up additional levels wherein each additional level is in a perpendicular arrangement to each preceding level. The method includes a fourth step of providing at least one die. The method includes a fifth step of having a first player roll the die to display a number. The method includes a sixth step of identifying at least one building block having a designated number corresponding to said number displayed on said at least one die. The method includes a seventh step having said first player remove from said tower said at least one building block having said number corresponding to said number displayed on said at least one die. The method includes an eighth step of having said first player place said removed at least one building block onto the highest level of said tower. The method includes a ninth step of having a second player and any subsequent player repeat the fourth through eighth steps until said tower falls. A player is declared the loser when that player makes the tower fall and the player that performed the fourth through eighth steps immediately prior is declared winner of said game.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method for playing a game is provided. The method includes a first step of providing a plurality of rectangular domino tiles. The method includes a second step of providing a pair of dice. The method includes a third step of providing at least two players. The method includes a fourth step of playing a game of dominoes to completion. The method includes a fifth step of having a first player roll said dice to display a number. The method includes a sixth step of having said first player identify any domino tiles displaying a number equal to said number displayed on said dice. The method includes a seventh step of having said first player remove any dominoes identified in the sixth step. The method includes an eighth step of assigning one point to said first player for each domino that is removed. The method includes a ninth step of having a second player and any subsequent player repeat the fifth through eighth steps until all the dominoes have been removed, wherein the player with the most points is declared the winner.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a kit for playing games of chance is provided. The kit includes a plurality of building blocks. A designated number is marked on each building block of said plurality of building blocks. Markings for use as domino tiles are on each building block of said plurality of building blocks. The kit includes at least one die.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts building blocks with numerical markings and dice in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts building blocks with numerical markings stacked in a tower accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts dice in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of playing a stacking game in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of playing a game of dominoes in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention.

The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or be entirely separate. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the disclosure, as represented in the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method for playing a stacking game is provided 100. The method 100 includes a first step 102 of providing at least two players. The method 100 includes a second step 104 of providing a plurality of building blocks 106, each of said building blocks 104 displaying a designated number 108. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the designated number 108 is displayed on an end 110 of each building block 108. The designated number 110 may also or alternatively be displayed on the sides, top, or bottom of the building blocks 106. Displaying the designated number 108 on the sides, top, bottom, or end 110 of the building block 106 enables the designated number 106 to be visible even when the building blocks 104 are stacked. The building blocks 108 further include markings for use as dominoes. Each building block 106 is a rectangular tile with a line dividing its face 107 into two square portions. Each square portion of the face 107 is marked with a number of spots or is blank. The backs 109 of the building blocks 106 in a set are indistinguishable, either blank or having some common design, for example. The method 100 includes a third step 112 of building a tower 114 by stacking said plurality of building blocks 106 by arranging levels 116 of building blocks 106 in parallel to form a level 116 and building up additional levels 116 wherein each additional level 116 is in a perpendicular arrangement to each preceding level 116. As illustrated in the Figures, the building blocks 106 are arranged in levels of three. The method 100 includes a fourth step 118 of providing at least one die 120. The method 100 includes a fifth step 122 of having a first player roll the die 120 to display a number. The method 100 includes a sixth step 124 of identifying at least one building block 106 having a designated number corresponding to said number displayed on the die 120. For example, if the player rolls the die 120 and the die 120 displays the number 4, the player will identify a building block 106 having a designated number 108 of 4. The method 100 includes a seventh step 126 of having said first player remove from said tower 114 the building block 106 having the designated number 108 corresponding to the number displayed on die 120. The method 100 includes an eighth step 128 of having said first player place said removed building block 106 onto the highest level 116 of said tower 114. The method 100 includes a ninth step 130 of having a second player and any subsequent player repeat the fourth through eighth steps until said tower 114 falls. A player is declared the loser when that player makes the tower 114 fall and the player that performed the fourth through eighth steps immediately prior is declared winner of said game.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a method 200 for playing a game is provided. The method 200 includes a first step 202 of providing a plurality of rectangular domino tiles, such as building blocks 106, for example, displaying markings for use as domino tiles. The method includes a second step 204 of providing a pair of dice 120. The method 200 includes a third step 206 of providing at least two players. The method 200 includes a fourth step 208 of playing a game of dominoes to completion using the building blocks 106. Alternatively, any arrangement of the building blocks 106 on a surface can be utilized. The method 200 includes a fifth step 208 of having a first player roll said dice 120 to display a number. The method includes a sixth step 210 of having said first player identify any building blocks 106 displaying a number on its face 107 equal to said number displayed on said dice. The method includes a seventh step 212 of having said first player remove any building blocks 106 identified in the sixth step. The method 200 includes an eighth step 214 of assigning one point to said first player for each building block 106 that is removed. The method 200 includes a ninth step 216 of having a second player and any subsequent player repeat the fifth through eighth steps until all the building blocks 106 have been removed, wherein the player with the most points is declared the winner.

In one embodiment, a game pack is operable for use with methods 100 and 200. The preferred game pack includes six giant dice, twenty eight giant dominoes, and forty five giant tumbling bocks, although the number of blocks, dice, and dominoes may vary. In some embodiments, building blocks 106 are operable for use as both blocks and dominoes. The game pack enables a user to play each game, dice, dominoes, and tumbling blocks, together or separately. In some embodiments, the number of stackable blocks is forty eight, fifty four, seventy two, or any other multiple of three. In some embodiments, the number of dominoes is fifty five or ninety one. The dice may be a standard six sided dice or any dice having any number of faces.

While the method 200 can be played with any game of dominoes, an exemplary method of playing straight dominoes is provided. A game is played with 2 to 4 players. If there are 4 players, players could choose to play as partners with the person sitting opposite, or the players can each play your own hands. If it is desired to play with more than 4 people, use a double-12 set instead of a double-9 set. A double-12 set comes with 91 tiles, and a double-9 set comes with 55 tiles. The dominoes are shuffled face down and drawn to see who plays first. All the tiles are laid face down on a flat surface. Have one player mix up the tiles so that they are thoroughly shuffled. Let each person draw one tile—the person with the highest double will go first. If a double wasn't drawn, the person with the heaviest tile (the tile with the most pips) will go first. Put the tiles back into the pile and give them another quick shuffle. Because each game of dominoes involves playing several hands, trade off who shuffles at the beginning of each hand so everyone gets a turn. Have each player draws seven dominoes for their hand. A player can pick from anywhere in the pile, but after a tile has been picked, it can't be put back into the pile. Each player sets their seven dominoes up in front of them so that the player can see them while trying to keep them hidden from their neighbors. Playing on a hard surface if you can will make it easier to stand the dominoes on edge. Place the first tile in the center of the table to begin the round. The person who drew the tile to go first can put down whatever tile they want to get the game started. It is generally a good idea to lay down a tile that you know you'd be able to build off of in your next turn. For example, if a player lays down a tile with 3 pips on one side and 1 pip on the other but don't have any other tiles with 3 or 1 pips on a side, the player wouldn't be able to take a turn unless someone else lays down a tile that can match. Take turns building off the tiles on the board with the tiles in hand. Go counter-clockwise around the table. Each turn consists of a player laying down one tile. That tile has to have a side that matches the open end of a domino that is already on the table. Continue taking turns until someone uses up all of their tiles. If a player lays down a tile with a blank side, it can only be matched with another tile that also has a blank side. In some games, people choose to make the blanks “wild,” meaning you can ascribe any value to it. Players can choose whichever option is preferred. A player will pick up a tile from the draw pile if the player can't play a tile in their hand. If the tile picked up from the draw pile matches something on the board, the player can play it. If not, add the tile to the player's hand. The turn then passes to the next person. In this way, a player can end up with way more than 7 tiles in hand during any given game. Win the round by using all of the dominoes in the player's hand. Whoever is the first person to lay down all the tiles from their hand onto the table is the winner of that round. There will be at least 7 turns per round, but if everyone ends up having to pick up extra tiles from the draw pile, the game could last much longer than that. Though a player may have won the round, that doesn't mean the player has won the game. There are several hands to play before the entire game is finished. Tally the score by adding up the points left in each player's hand. Have each player add up the total number of pips on the tiles they have left in front of them. On a piece of paper, add those numbers to the column of the person who won that hand. The first person to get to 100 points wins the game. Because a player has to get to 100 points before the game ends, there are multiple chances for every player to win rounds and ultimately come out victorious at the end.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the system (and components of the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for playing a stacking game, comprising: a. providing at least two players; b. providing a plurality of building blocks, each of said building blocks displaying a designated number; c. building a tower by stacking said plurality of building blocks by arranging levels of building blocks of said plurality of building blocks in parallel to form a level and building up additional levels wherein each additional level is in a perpendicular arrangement to each preceding level; d. providing at least one die; e. having a first player roll said at least one die, said at least one die displaying a number; f. identifying at least one building block having a number corresponding to said number displayed on said at least one die; g. having said first player remove from said tower said at least one building block having said designated number corresponding to said number displayed on said at least one die; h. having said first player place said removed at least one building block onto the highest level of said tower; i. having a second player and any subsequent player repeat steps e-h until said tower falls, wherein any player that makes said tower fall is declared loser of said game and the player that performed steps e-h immediately prior is declared winner of said game.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of building blocks provided is forty-five (45).
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of dice provided is between 1 and
 6. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each level of building blocks comprises three building blocks.
 5. A method for playing a game of dominoes, comprising: a. providing a plurality of rectangular domino tiles; b. providing a pair of dice; c. providing at least two players; d. playing a game of dominoes to completion; e. having a first player roll said dice to display a number; f. having said first player identify any domino tiles displaying a number equal to said number displayed on said dice; g. having said first player remove any dominoes identified in step f; h. assigning one point to said first player for each domino that is removed; i. having a second player and any subsequent player repeat steps e-h until all the dominoes have been removed, wherein the player with the most points is declared the winner.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the number of domino tiles is twenty-eight (28).
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the game of dominoes is selected from the group comprising Domino Whist, Matador, Muggins, Texas 42,Chicken Foot, Concentration, Double Fives, Mexican Train, and Fives and Threes.
 8. A kit for playing games of chance, comprising: a plurality of building blocks, a designated number marked on each building block of said plurality of building blocks; markings for use as domino tiles on each building block of said plurality of building blocks; and at least one die.
 9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the number of domino tiles is twenty-eight (28).
 10. The kit of claim 8, wherein the number of building blocks provided is forty-five (45).
 11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the number of building blocks provided is forty-eight (48).
 12. The kit of claim 1, wherein the number of building blocks provided is fifty-four (54).
 13. The kit of claim 1, wherein the number of building blocks provided is seventy-two (72).
 14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the number of building blocks provided a multiple of
 3. 15. The kit of claim 1, wherein the number of die is between 1 and
 6. 